Golf wants to be a mainstream sport. That desire will be tested at a rowdy 2025 Bethpage Ryder Cup.@RexHoggardGC from New York:https://t.co/xAJlelh3dP
— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) October 8, 2024
The upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for golf, blending tradition with the high-energy atmosphere of New York’s boisterous sports culture. With a year to go, expectations are soaring, but so are concerns about how this iconic event will balance the loud, rowdy crowd with the game’s more traditional values.
New York’s Bethpage Black is no stranger to intensity, and this Ryder Cup promises to be the most raucous yet. As the captains gathered in Manhattan for a “One Year to Go” press event, it became clear that the location will bring a whole new level of energy to the competition. Keegan Bradley, a Ryder Cup veteran with ties to New York, hinted at what’s to come: “It’s definitely going to be an intense environment for both teams. New York is an incredible place to play but they expect you to win and win your matches.”
Bradley’s perspective underscores the unique pressure both teams will face, especially the Europeans, who will be playing in one of the most charged atmospheres golf has ever seen.
Ryder Cup Atmosphere Set to Make or Break the Event
Captains and organizers are well aware of the challenges posed by the enthusiastic crowds that Bethpage Black is expected to draw. European captain Luke Donald optimistically described the experience as “fun, feisty, and spirited.” However, whether the European team will find it enjoyable remains to be seen.
The PGA of America is already preparing for the possibility of rowdy or overly passionate fans crossing the line, a frequent issue at Ryder Cup matches. Bradley acknowledged the situation: “It’s not going to be a question of if fans step over the line… we all know how tough it is to play an away Ryder Cup.”
The 2025 Ryder Cup has the potential to either propel golf further into mainstream sports or alienate those who favor the sport’s more traditional, quiet nature. As Bradley said, the Bethpage atmosphere will demand resilience and composure from the players. For golf, this could either be a thrilling leap into the future or a challenging moment of reflection on its identity.
Whether the raucous crowds help or hinder the event’s legacy, one thing is certain: the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black will be remembered for its unique blend of high-energy fandom and elite golf.
